To: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Broadalbin Town Board, and all relevant authorities

We, the undersigned, are residents, visitors, and concerned individuals who care about the Great Sacandaga Lake Beach in Broadalbin, Fulton County, NY. We urge the DEC, the Broadalbin Town Board, and all relevant authorities to reconsider the decision to close and revegetate this beloved beach.

Background:

The Great Sacandaga Lake Beach in Broadalbin, Fulton County, NY has been a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike for decades. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the beach was closed. The Broadalbin Town Board, which had been managing the beach, announced that it would not reopen the beach. Consequently, the DEC has proposed a management plan to close and revegetate the area.

Reasons to Keep the Beach Open:

Cultural and recreational significance: The beach has long been a hub for relaxation, water sports, and outdoor activities for the community. Closing the beach would deprive the community of a vital recreational space.
Economic impact: The beach attracts visitors, which generates local revenue through tourism and supports small businesses in the area.
Community engagement: The beach serves as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors to connect and build strong bonds.
Environmental considerations: With proper management and maintenance, the beach can coexist with local ecosystems while providing the community with an essential outdoor space.
Our Proposal:

We ask that the DEC, the Broadalbin Town Board, and all relevant authorities:

Keep the Great Sacandaga Lake Beach in Broadalbin, Fulton County, NY open for public use.
Explore alternative management options, such as partnering with local organizations, businesses, or volunteers to maintain and operate the beach.
Reevaluate the current budget and resources to determine whether it is possible to allocate funds for beach maintenance and operations.
Encourage community involvement in the decision-making process, including public meetings and open forums for discussion and feedback.
By signing this petition, we express our support for keeping the Great Sacandaga Lake Beach in Broadalbin, Fulton County, NY open and accessible for current and future generations. We hope our collective voice will encourage the DEC, the Broadalbin Town Board, and all relevant authorities to work together with the community to preserve this vital recreational and cultural asset.

Sincerely,

Jason L Ambrosino